Idaho Falls Wastewater Plant Cuts Energy Use, Saves Thousands with Smart Upgrades

April 15, 2026

The City of Idaho Falls is seeing major returns on a recent investment in energy efficiency at its wastewater treatment plant, delivering significant cost savings while reducing overall power consumption.

The facility was recently recognized by the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and Idaho Falls Power for completing a series of energy-saving upgrades. Through BPA’s energy efficiency program, the City received an incentive payment of $128,738 to support the project.

Those improvements are expected to generate more than $21,000 in annual energy cost savings while reducing electricity use by over 472,000 kilowatt-hours each year.

The wastewater treatment plant plays a critical role in the community, processing both domestic and industrial wastewater before safely discharging it into the Snake River. As part of the upgrade process, plant leaders took a closer look at their sludge dewatering system, initially considering centrifuges, a common but energy-intensive option.

Instead, after further evaluation, the team selected two high-efficiency screw presses. The alternative approach maintained strong performance while significantly lowering energy demands.

“As City leaders, we are also Idaho Falls residents, and are focused on improving efficiencies and lowering operational costs across the city,” said Mayor Lisa Burtenshaw. “Taking advantage of BPA’s energy efficiency program is an example of how City departments like Idaho Falls Power and our wastewater treatment plant are working together to deliver on that commitment.”

In addition to the new screw presses, the plant also installed variable frequency drives (VFDs) on two digester chopper pumps. These devices allow motors to adjust speed based on demand, improving efficiency without sacrificing performance.

“These kinds of energy efficiency improvements reflect our commitment to being responsible stewards of both our financial and natural resources,” said Stephen Boorman, Interim General Manager of Idaho Falls Power. “We are especially grateful to BPA for their partnership and support in helping make these energy-saving investments possible.”

The project highlights how strategic equipment upgrades and thoughtful planning can deliver long-term benefits, not only lowering operational costs, but also supporting sustainability efforts across the community.

For more information about Idaho Falls’ energy efficiency initiatives, please contact Idaho Falls Power at 208-612-8430.